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2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera … If You Have to Ask, You Can’t Afford It

Once in a while, Ducati introduces extremely exclusive, outrageously expensive special editions. The “outrage” isn’t meant to mean this bike isn’t worth it, just that it is … a pretty outrageously expensive machine. Oh, and we don’t even know the price yet.

What you are looking at is the 2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera which Ducati states “combines a precious cocktail of materials such as titanium, magnesium and carbon fibre to set the highest power-to-weight ratio of any production motorcycle”. A package weighing less than 350 pounds, and producing “more than 200hp”.

All of the details are in the following press release from Ducati, but keep one thing in mind. Even if you can afford one, the limited number of 500 units is almost sold out, as it was offered first to owners of the Desmosedici RR and R version Superbikes. Sorry.

Created without limits, to inspire unlimited desire Celebrating the Italian manufacturer’s commitment to performance technology and lightweight construction, Ducati now proudly introduces its latest limited edition dream model, the highly exclusive 1199 Superleggera. The new machine combines a precious cocktail of materials such as titanium, magnesium and carbon fibre to set the highest power-to-weight ratio of any production motorcycle in history. Producing more than 200hp and weighing-in at just 155kg* (341.7lb*), Ducati showcase their innovative engineering and stylish approach to design, while affirming the maxim: “Authentic Italian Performance”.

The Superleggera follows in the successful wheel tracks of previous iconic limited editions, like the Desmosedici RR, with its exclusivity boldly underlined with just 500 examples of this extraordinary machine being assembled at Ducati’s headquarters in Bologna, Italy, each with its own individual number inscribed on the top clamp.

With its baseline starting from the already impressive 1199 Panigale ‘R’ specification, the Superleggera incorporates a magnesium monocoque frame and forged Marchesini magnesium wheels before taking lightweight to the extreme with a carbon fibre rear sub-frame and bodywork, lithium-ion battery (LIB) and full titanium exhaust system with stainless steel headers. Many of the bolts and fasteners on both engine and chassis are also fashioned in titanium. Additional enhancements include lightweight Öhlins FL916 front suspension with fully-machined fork bottoms and an Öhlins TTX36 rear suspension with titanium spring. The Superleggera’s Brembo M50 Monobloc brakes inherit a racing-style MCS 19-21 front master cylinder and remote adjuster and its final drive gets upgraded with a lightweight Ergal rear sprocket, and World Superbike-spec 520 drive chain. Finer attention to detail is hidden in the shape of the carbon fibre body work, which is moulded with the same high-penetration form normally provided by the “R” spec add-on aero-kit.

The Superquadro engine, which sports titanium con-rods and inlet valves, now adds titanium exhaust valves, and, for the first time on a Ducati street engine, special two-ring pistons. These pistons, usually found on racing Superbikes, use short skirts and only two rings (compression and oil), allowing them to dramatically reduce mass and friction. To further increase performance, the combustion chamber is also modified to Superbike specs by a new piston crown that increases compression ratio. Added to this is a super-lightened crankshaft, precision balanced using dense tungsten inserts. The enhancements result in an incredible output of more than 200hp as it rolls out of Ducati’s Borgo Panigale factory in Bologna, Italy.

The Superleggera’s outstanding power-to-weight ratio can be enhanced even further with the supplied track-only Race Kit**. The kit, which increases power by 5hp and reduces weight by 2.5kg (5.5 lb), consists of a titanium Akrapovič race exhaust system including silencers and 2-in-1 collector, high racing windscreen, dedicated dust cover, front and rear paddock stands, machined mirror fill-caps, and removal kits for the registration plate holder, and sidestand. The model’s electronics are also upgraded thanks to the new system for managing front-wheel lift Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) which is based on an Inertial Platform. This DWC system, along with Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC), is optimized with new automatic calibration of rear tyre size and final transmission ratio. The Ducati Data Analysis+ (DDA+) system adds an additional sensor and software channel to record and display vehicle lean angles. This impressive array of included electronics is completed by a set of race-derived, handlebar mounted control buttons to enable rapid, ontrack adjustments to the levels of the pre-selected channels of DTS, DWC, or EBC.

Appropriate to its highly exclusive status as one of the most exotic and desirable Ducatis of all time, the 1199 Superleggera is exquisitely dressed in Ducati Corse Red base livery, complemented with forged and machined magnesium wheels. *Dry weight **Track use only

With WSB rule changes in the pipeline (there’s a lower spec ‘EVO’ class next year, I believe, which will be the template for the 2015 championship), there’s a chance that this is at the very least a toe-in-the-water approach to ensure Ducati have an advantage in this production-based class. They were very competitive in this World Superstocks this year, and it was a crash that stopped them from probably winning the titile (BMW and Kawasaki are also competitive in this class, the others are nowhere).
This harks back to previous periods of Ducati WSB dominance. It was always going to be that case that smaller factories would have to have increased prices, but Ducati’s approach of releasing 200-off specials (SPS models and suchlike) with, say, titanium valves and other highly priced features allowed for homologation and a useful benefit when racing. There was no way that even Honda would be able to produce a batch of their superbike with a few racing additions.
So expect, after a seasons racing, a further-tweaked version of this bike to come along and that Ducati will be back at the front. This year’s WSB results were pretty embarrassing for them, especially if you recall the hype that went along with the Panigale’s launch.
I’m not sure what is best for the championship. I think it’s been great that over the last few seasons, we’ve had every manufacturer at least on the podium. And although we shouldn’t overlook the David-v- Goliath of Ducati taking on the Japanese, when you have a 20% capacity advantage, and hyper-expensive bikes to base your racer on, the David and Goliath roles can seem reversed!
The electronics packages of race teams have proven to be a leveller and allow Japan to get back to the front, even though the Italians pioneered the stuff on the track.
There’s a pendulum issue here, and it always swings too far! We had the Japanese lobbying to allow 1000cc four cylinder bikes (all but killing the 750cc class), which was then superseded by a 1200cc twin cylinder allowance. We had a near boycott of the class by Japan a few years back. Where will it get to? There’s a feeling amongst WSB fans that Dorna will ultimately destroy WSB racing, and this might be a footnote in that destruction of the class as we know it.

How does one website manage to attract so many negative, Monday morning industry professionals. I don’t even come here for the news anymore, I come just to read the absolutely ridiculous comments that the majority of the regulars to this site make. Here’s a tip, leave the industry to the real professionals and go ride your motorcycle. Assuming you actually own one of course.

Personally, as an exercise, I think this is great. Since the economic crash sportbikes have been an afterthought for most companies and although I’ll never own this bike, or even get invited to own one, it’s nice to have something exciting to look at and read about for a change.

I could care less about this type of “special edition”. It has always been irritating to me when the motorcycle press goes gaga over New Superbike X. A month later they are all gaga over Superbike X-R model. The next month it is Superbike X-RR model. Then Superbike X-SP with limited edition paint. Then comes superbike X-SPS with limitless electronic rubbish,special forks and a little commemorative plate rivited to the triple clamp.

I read the test of the original machine. all the rest of the press devoted to some slightly different variant of the original is just crap to me

I’m confused. How much could you care less? A huge amount less? Does that mean you really want new superbike X as you presumably care a lot about it? Where can I buy this model X, as it sounds amazing?

I’m surprised Harley-Davidson hasn’t copied this marketing tactic; produce an ultra (no pun intended) expensive, very limited edition piece of “collector” driveway jewelry. Particularly since there are so many Harley’s that are hardly ridden anyway. The only difference is, the Harley would most likely retain its value!? Oh! I forgot. Almost every harley is a limited edition of some sort

I’ll never buy it, but it sure looks pretty and probably sounds cool.
Maybe I’ll see one on on I-5 just north of the Grapevine just like the Desmo I saw a few years ago. A cell phone flix is good enough for me to enjoy it and not potentially die. My R-1 has more than enough power than I truly need.

you will. search for rnickeymouse on youtube. invariably one will be seen TRACTOR BEAMING itself into the guard rail on Mulholland. in much the same way we get baby formula from the Space Shuttle program, “the snake” is a real world application of DEATHSTAR technology.

Yeah those videos always crack me up. Next time I ride down south I’m going to check out that spot. Been trying to figure out what it is about that stretch of road that gives everyone such fits. Is it a dip of some type? So many crashes in front of CHP too. Jeez. Save it for the track, boys…

5oo bikes will be made, and 2 years from now the 500 bikes will have a combined 3000 miles on them.
these aren’t motorcycles with any purpose in reality at all. It’s just a museum peice, an ego stroke, or bike pron depending on how you look at it.

This is a work of art and not a sociological/ class envy endeavor. There will always be those that can afford high end things like this and those that can’t. I can’t afford this bike nor would I buy it if I could due to a terrible dealer network. The nearest Ducati dealer to me is 150 miles away. I’ve had 2 Ducati’s and love the brand. Let’s see how it does on the track!

This is Ducati showing us what we (the rank and file crowd) can get sort of close to doing with a base 899 or 1199 if so inclined. Won’t be the same uber exclusive bike at the end of the day but it will help sell Panigales nonetheless. Certainly makes me want a 899 more and will spur a lot of Corsa parts selling from their catalog.

The great thing about a bike like this, aside from the company just making a statement about their engineering abilities is that it has features that will trickle down to affordable production machines at some point. If no one ever pushed the edge of the envelope in design we would’t get far.

This being a motorcycle is just co-incidence. To me this is primarily testimony of design and manufacturing capabilities from beginning of 3rd millennium. Look what human kind can do by sheer power of imagination and knowledge!

A true, in the flesh indictment of the Haves and Have Nots mentallity. Build a super exclusive motorcycle, then offer it only to those who are fortunate enough to already own a super exclusive motorcycle…and true the their nature, they buy ‘em up.

Nice stats…and a nice piece of mechanical artwork…but really, what’s the point? These bikes amount to little more than a $90,000 lump of painted metal that the owners can point at and demand the obligatory “Ooooh” and “Ahhh”.

Hmmm… Lose your job in the Obama revolution? For many, the ability to purchase this machine is not good fortune but hard work. Haves and have-nots have always been and always will be. Sell this crap somewhere else. As an engineering effort, styling exercise and business venture, I applaud Ducati and hope they sell every one they can make.

Sorry you took it so personal (Sell this crap somewhere else? Really?), but I think you missed my point. I have no problem with a person’s ability (ie: bank account) to buy the bike. By all means, if you’ve got the coin, spend it as you will. What I have a problem with is a company flaunting a press release that essentially says “Look what we’ve done…You can never own one”.

Yes, it’s a tremendous piece of machinery…but like I said, what’s the point?

The caliper and wheel supporting piece looks different… as well as the caliper…
I wonder what is the price of replacing pieces in case of light damage (like for example dropping it without moving) or a slide crash at 40 miles per hour…
Do a motorcycle like this get insurance in the US?
Any guess on the price? (yep I cannot afford it for sure…)
What an incredible machine….
I wonder who would won on a course that does not facilitate straight line speed if you take it against the 1290 duke…
Also… a 200 wide tire? insane…

The real answer depends on which alloys you are comparing, but the magnesium alloy being employed is almost certainly a bit stiffer than the aluminum alloy used for standard production. I don’t know if it is significant enough to affect the driving dynamics. Even if it were, I’d think the effects of the reduced weight would be much more noticeable.

I have a contact at US Magnesium:
Magnesium is the lightest structural metal currently available in the world. Its approximately 34% lighter by volume than aluminum and 50% lighter than titanium. Besides light-weight construction, a few of the other advantages that magnesium offers are: excellent fatigue resistance, denting and buckling resistance, and the highest known damping capacity of any structural metal.